Article-sorting apparatus



y 1929. c. M. HARDENBERGH ARTICLE SORTING APPARATUS Filed May 20, 1926'3 Sheets-Sheet May 14, 1929. c. M. HARDENBERGH ARTICLE SORTING APPARATUSFiled May 20, 1926 3 Sheets-Sheet May 14, 1929.

C. M. HARDENBERGH ARTI OLE SORT I NG APPARATUS Filed May 20 1926 5Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR J/m'eWte/l ffdme/rk/y/k.

RN QM ATTOIiNEY Patented May 14, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CLARENCE M. HARDENBERGH, OF KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, ASSIGNOR F ONE-THIRDTO EMANUEL M. RACZ AND ONE-THIRD TO RICHARD J. SHOLTZ, BOTH OF KANSASCITY, MISSOURI.

ABTICLE-SORTING APPARATUS.

Application filed May 20, 1926. Serial No. 110,441.

My invention relates to article sorting apparatus and more particularlyto an apparatus of that character for automatically diverting articlesof like characteristics from a train of articles having variouscharacter istics, as, for example, in flour mills, Where flour isusually put up in bags containing 6, 12, 24, 48, 96, 140 or 200 poundsof flour and it is desirable to group bags of the same weight or thoseof several different weights at a certain point such aloading dock,while permitting bags of other welghts to proceed to other divertingpoints or to a point of storage, the principal object of the inventionbeing to effect a saving in both time and labor by effecting thesegregation mechanically.

In accomplishing this and other objects of the invention I have providedimproved details of structure hereinafter described, and illustrated inthe accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a perspective View of thepreferred embodiment of an article sorting apparatus constructed inaccordance with my invention, the electrical apparatus associatedtherewith being shown in diagram.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of the electrical circuits.

Fig. 3 is-a plan View of apart of the conveyor, particularlyillustrating the mechanisin for driving different sections of thebelt.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view through the driving roller of a selectorsection of the conveyor belt.

Fig. 5 is a side view of one of the switches. Fig. 6 is a plan View ofthe switch.

As a convenient adaptation of the invention to use in flour mills forconveying sacked flour from a packing room to one or more loading docksor to selective storage, I prefer to locate the conveyor at-a sufficientheight above the floor to provide head room therebeneath, and for thisreason preferably suspend a conveyor frame consisting of spacedangle-iron side rails 1 from the ceiling 2 by hangers 3, the conveyorframe extending from the packing room to the last point of discharge andadapted for support-ing any number of forwarding and selector sections.I

Suitably mounted on the rails 1 is a conveyor, comprising ordinaryforwarding sections 4, t, and interposed selector sections 5, here shownto consist of-=scale platform members; there being as many platformsections as there are individual offtaking chutes through which theselected articles may be conducted to the respective loading docks orstorage bins, the present drawings illustrating but a single platformsection and otftaking chute with the complementary electricalcontrolling mechanism, although it should be understood that these partsmay be duplicated throughout the length of the conveyor.

Referring first to the mechanical elements as distinguished from theelectrical control, each of the forwarding belt conveyor sectionscomprises a belt 6' run over rollers 7 on shafts 8 rotatably mounted inbearings 9 on the respective side rails 1, the intermediate portions ofthe belts being supported by brace rails 10 mounted on brackets 11 onthe rails 1 and underlying the belt throughout the greater portion ofits length.

Each of the forwarding sections is driven from one of its shafts by asprocket wheel 12, fixed to the shaft and carrying a chain belt 13 whichconnects with a sprocket wheel 14 on the roller shaft 8 at the drivingend of an adjacent forwarding conveyor section, except that at the powerend of the apparatus (Fig. 3), the roller shaft is provided with a gearwheel 15 which meshes with a pinion 16 on the shaft 17 of a motor 18.

Interposed between two adjacent carrying conveyor sections l4t, is aselector conveyor section, here shown to be in the nature of a scaleplatform and adapted for vertical swinging movement to effect selectivecontrol of other parts of the apparatus through switch controlledcircuits hereinafter described. The selector or scale platform sectioncomprises a subframe consisting of channel iron. side rails 19, carryingend rollers 20, 21, over which is run a belt 22 similar to the belts 6of the carrying conveyor. The roller 21 at the offgoing end of theplatform section is axially mounted in the ends of sub-frame bars 19.The roller (Fig. 4) at the oncoming end of the section has its shaft 23extending through the side rails 19 and loosely through trunnionbearings 24 which are fixed to the main frame rails 1 and are rotatablymounted in bearings 25 on said rails, the shaft serving merely as adriving element for rotating the roller 20 and not for supporting theplatform, the platform being supported b trunnions 26 fixed to the siderails 19 of tile subframe and rotatable in the trunnion bearings 24 thatare mounted on the main side rails. 1 by means of brackets 27, thetrunnions being ring-shaped and having an interior diameter greater thanthat of the shaft to permit the shaft to turn freely therein. The shaft23 carries a sprocket wheel 28 which is connected with a sprocket wheel29 on the adjacent carrying conveyor drive shaft by a chain belt 30, sothat the belt of the platform section is driven from the same source ofpower and in. the same direction as are the carrying conveyor belts.

ed between the ceiling 2 and the conveyor v1 The platform section, beingpivotally mounted at one end as described, is free to swing on its axisbut' is supported by a spring jack comprising an upstanding barrel 31,supported from the floor of the compartment within which the apparatusis located and having an aperture in its upper end through which is)rojected a plunger rod 32, the upper end 0 which rod carries a roller33 seating the rail 34 of a bracket 35 that is suspended beneath theplatform section from the side rails 19 thereof.

The barrel 31 has a collar 36 at its end and seated on said collar,surrounding the plunger rod 32.and bearing against a collar 37adjustably fixed to the plunger rod by a set screw 38, is an expansionspring 39 of such strength that when properly adjusted by means of thecollar37, it will yieldingly support the platform section at upper I theupper limit of its pivotal movement.

board 40 platform section, is a lever of which is connected with theshaft 23 of roller 21 at the free end of the platform conveyor sectionby a link 43, and the arm 44 of which is adapted to selectively engageand set the switches hereinafter described, when the platform is loweredunder .weight of articles passing through.

Opening from-one side of the ofi'taking forwarding conveyor 4 at anypoint along its length but preferably adjacent the receiving end.thereof, is an otl chute 45. winging on a vertical axle 46 that ismount- Pivotally mounted on a switch at the side of the 41, one arm, 42,

frame rail 1 at the side of the frame opposite the chute 45, is a gate47 normally urged toward the oncoming end of the conveyor by a spring 48that is wound on the axle and has its opposite ends 49 and 49' attachedto the ceiling and hooked over the front face of the gate respectively,to yieldingly retain the gate against pressure of oncoming articles, butwhich is adapted to give underpressure from said articles to, allow thearticles to pass, except when the gate is held by a stop member, undercontrol of the electrical a paratus hereinafter described. The gate ax e46 is located rearwardly of the front side of the chute, and the springand gate are so adjusted as to normally retain the gate at an angleacross the conveyor, to provide a deflecting surface for the articlesthat are selected for delivery into the chute.

Selective diversion of articles from the conveyor to the chute iscontrolled by a gate stop member, and this gate sto member is in turncontrolled by switches t at are automatically set through verticalmovement of the platform conveyor section, in combina-f tion with manualcontrol switches and by automatic control switches located at theoncoming end of the platform conveyor section and within the oiftakingchute, and controlled by oncoming and offgoing articles respectively.

Generically the gate stop consists of a solenoid core 50 under controlof a magnet which will be described in connection with the electricalapparatus including a primary setting switch operable by an apron 51which is suspended over the oncoming end of the selector or scaleplatform section of the conveyor.

Specifically, the apron consists of a sheet metal plate, V-shaped at itsupper end to form a switch operating leaf 52 and having a lip 53 at itslower end wiping the belt 22 of the selector of the platform conveyorsection. The apron is pivotally suspended from a rod 54 carried bybrackets 55 from the ceiling 2 and secured to the apron within the angleformed at the body of the apron and the leaf 52.

ircuits are opened upon delivery of an article into the diverting chuteto free the gate and prepare for a new selective operation of theapparatus upon the oncoming of a succeeding article, the mechanicalparts for opening the circuits consisting of a plate 56 located in thechute 45 and attached to a shaft 57 that is pivotally mounted in thesides of the chute and provided with an .elbow lever 58, one arm. 59, ofwhich is connected with a spring 60 that is anchored to the chute tohold thetrip plate 56 at an incline across the path of the articlespassing down the chute. The second arm. 61. of ever 58 overlies a switchbar, so that when the trip plate is rocked the switch is opened, as willpresently be described.

Each. of the switches employed in the apparatus, except the knife bladeswitches in the individual selector circuits, are of like mechanicalconstruction, consisting (Figs. 5 and 6) of a bar 62 pivotally mountedon a pin or stud 63, and having a bevelled tri ear 64 at one endconnected to the switc bar by a rule joint comprising a-pivot pin 65 anda spring 66 that is coiled on the pin 65 with its ends in engagementwith the switch bar and ear respectively, to yieldingly retain the earin line with the bar. At the end of the bar opposite the ear 64 is aninsulated binding post 67 having conductive relation with a contactfinger 68. A spring 69 is connected with the switch bar and with anadjacent body to normally hold the switch bar in a determined positionbut to yield when the bar is rocked by engagement of a lever with thestraight face' of the ear 64, the ear yielding, of course, to permit thelever to pass without operating the switch when the lever approachesfrom the bevelled side of the ear.

The present description refers to the specific mechanical constructionof the switch and the reference numerals just employed are not appliedto the view of the assembled apparatus (Fig. 1), different referencenumerals being applied to the several switches in this assembly view toidentify particular switches, but in each case the construction of theswitch being as just described unless otherwise stated.

The circuits and circuit making and breaking parts can best be describedby ref erence to the passage of an article through the apparatus, and Iwill in the following description designate such articles as sacks offlour.

As a sack of less than 24 pounds in weight would be too light tooperatethe selector or scale platform, I have provided only for the selectionof sacks of that weight and of greater weight, and for selecting sacksof such weights for diversion into the oii'taking chute l have providedthe switch board 40 with individual switches for sacks of the differentweights, there being a switch 70 for sacks of 9.4 pounds or less, 7 0for 48 pound sacks, 70 for 96 pound sacks, 70

" for 140 pound sacks, and 7 0 for 200 pound Each of these switches hasa corresponding contact point 71, 71 71, 71, 71, on the switch board,and connectors 72, 72, 72*, 72, 72 leading from said contacts to knifeblade switches, whereby the selection can be manually determined.

The selection is effected automatically by the lever 41 which is rockedproportionately to the weight of the sack on the platform conveyorsection. It is apparent, therefore, that for a heavy sack the lever arm44 will pass in engagement with a plurality of the switches beforecoming to rest in operative engagement with the switch corresponding tothe weight of a sack on the platform. Consequently, means must beprovided for rendering switches complementary to sacks of lesser weightineffective after the switch lever has temporarily closed such switchesduring its setting travel.

sacks.

scribed.

is further apparent that no switch resettmg means is required for theswitch complementary to the lightest weight of sack as the lever willnot be carried over the switches complementary to heavier bags.Consequently, no out-means is required or the switch 70, and itsconnector is led to a single setting switch 73 which is preferably ofthe knife type and adapted for closing against .a contact 74. The otherswitches of the 70 series, however, are led to branches 7 5 7 5", 7 5, 75 one line of which leads to a knife blade switch 73 73*, 73, 73complementary to the switch 73 heretofore mentioned and, adapted forengaging a contact 74, 74 74, 74; all of the contactsof the 74 seriesbeing connected with a wire 76 through which a circuit is completed forsetting the gate stop, as will presently be de- The other line of eachof the branches in the 75 series leads to a switch 77, 77 77,77 adaptedfor engagement with a contact 7 8, 7 8 7 8, 7 8, all leading to a wire79 through which the circuit for setting the gate stop is broken torelease the ga e.

Attention is called to the fact that the switch 70 which is the one onthe switch board complementary to sacks of lightest weight, isyieldingly retained inactive position, that is, with its contact finger68 in engagement with the contact 71, whereas I the remaining switchesin the 70 series are yieldingly. held in open position, and that thelever arm 44, operable by the selector 01 platform conveyor section, isnormally above the switch 70 but beneath the lowermost of the normallyopen switches 70 7 0", 70, 70. This is for the reason that the lever armneed never operate the switch 70 in its travel to select a switch for aheavier sack, and consequently, there is no necessityfor automaticallyopening and closing the circuit through this switch in the selectingoperation. The principal reason for this arrangement of the switch 70and lever 44 is to prevent accidental closing of a selector circuit andresultant setting of the gate stop through vibration of the platformsect-ion following the delivery of a sack from the platform section tothe oft'taking conveyor section, all f which will be more specificallypointed out in the following description of the electrical circuits andof operation of the apparatus.

Assuming first that the main circuit is closed by the master switch 80to close a cirmember 83 held. normally open by a spring 84 and providedwith a contact 97 connected with the wire 72 by a branch wire 72 andalso ,provided with a contact 86 connected by a wire 88 with a wire 89having a magnet coil 90 and leading to the negative line 81'. The switchmember is movable by the leaf 52 to engage the contact- 97 with acontact 98 connected with the switch 73 by-a wire 99, the switch membercoincidentl engaging the contact 86 with a contact-85 in a wire 87leading from the positive line 81. The magnet coil 90 is adapted toattract a relay armature 91 against the influence of a spring 92 toengage a contact 93 with a contact 94 connected by a wire 95 with theswitches 70", 70 and 70, the armature coincidently engaging the contact93 with a contact 94- connected by a wire 95' with the switch 70, thecontact 93 being connected to the positive line 81 by a wire 96.

As a 24 pound sack, 82, which s being forwarded by the conveyor,reachesthe end of the primary conveyor section 4, it is delivered fromthe belt 6 onto the belt 22 of the selector or scale platform section,and as it is moved forward from one section to the other, passes beneaththe apron 51 and rocks the apron on its shaft 54. When the apron isrocked the leaf 52 rocks the switch 83 against the tension of spring 84,bringing contact 86 on the switch 83 into engagement with contact onconductor wire 87 leading from the positive line wire 81. This closes acircuit from the positive line wire 81 throu h wire 87, contacts 85, 86,wire 88 leading from contact 86, wire 89, and magnet coil 90 to thenegative line wire 81', energizing the magnet and attracting relayarmature 91 against the tension of its spring 92 to closethe armaturecontact 93 against contact 94' connected with wire 95, thereby closingthe circuit from the positive line wire 81, through wire 96, A relaycontacts 93, 94, wire 95, through the contact finger 68 of the normallyclosed switch 7 0, contact 71, wire 72, wire 89, through magnet coil 90back to the negative line wire 81, thereby energizing the magnet 90through this second local circuit; Closing of the A relay magnet orfirst local circuit by the apron switch is' only momentary for thereason that the contacts 85, 86, are brought together only as the leaf52 of apron 51 passes over the end of the rule joint trip car whichholds to rock the switch on down movement of the apron leaf, the switchbeing returned to initial position under tension of its spring as soonas the leaf passes over the lip to break the contacts 85, 86, and openthe first local circuit through wires 87 and 89, The momentary closingof this circuit is sufficient, however, to close the second localcircuit through the armature contacts 93, 94' so that the magnet 90remains energized after breaking of the switch 83 and the secondarylocal circuit through the A relay magnet is maintained. Immediately,also, upon closing of the A relay circuit, another circuit is closed,from positive line wire 81, wire 96, A relay contacts 93, 94', wire 95',the contacts at switch 70, wire 72, branch wire 72, the contacts 97, 98at the apron switch 83, wire 99, knife blade switch 73 and its contact74, through wire 76, wire 100, the contacts at. the chute switch 101,wire 102, and magnet coil 103, back to the negative line'81', thereby'energizing the magnet at the B relay and attracting the armature 104 toclose the contacts 105, 106, and 107 108. Closing of the circuit justdescribed takes place immediately upon-closing of the apron switchcircuit, so that the B relay magnet circuit is closed before the apronswitch is\ opened. Closing of the B relay armature contacts closes thecircuit from the positive line wire 81, through wire 109, B relaycontacts 105, 106, wire 110, the contacts 111, 112 of the normallyclosed C relay, wire 113, wire 100, the contacts of the chute switch101, wire 102, and magnet coil 103, back to the negative line wire 81,closing the circuit last named and energizing the ;B relay magnet coilto retain the armature '104 against the tension of its spring 114 andretain the B relay magnet energized through a circuit independent ofthose controlled by the apron switch. Consequently, when the apronswitch is released and its circuits opened, the B relay magnet is notde-energized but continues to hold the armature 104 in closedmaintaining a circuit through the magnet 103 by which its said armatureis retained. Simultaneously with the closing of the circuit through Brelay contacts 105. 106 a.

second circuit is closed through the B reiay contacts, 107 and 109,flowing from the positive linewire 81, through wire 115, solenoid coil116, wire 117, contacts 107, 108, and wire 118, back to the negativeline wire 81', thereby energizing the coil 116 and shooting the solenoidcore 50 to position for stopping the gate 47, as shown in Fig. 1.

The 24 pound sack 82 continuing to move forward with the conveyor belts,is delivered from the belt of the scale platform section onto the secondforwarding conve or section 4', and being advanced/on the belt 6 of saidsection 4, is brought-into contact with the gate 47. The gate 47 beingheld by its stop 50, will not, yield to allow the sack to pass, butdeflects it laterally into the chute 45, down which the sack passes bygravity.

During its passage-down the chute 45, the sack travels over the rockplate 56, rocking the lever 58 and operating the switch 101 to separatethe contact finger of switch 101 from the contact 119 against thetension of spring 120, by which the switch 101 is normally held closed,thereby breaking the circuit from the positive line wire 81, throughwire 109, contacts 105, 106, wire 110, contacts 111, 112, wire 113, wire100, the chuteswitch contacts, wire 102, and magnet coil 103, to thenegative line wire, de-energizing the magnet 103 and permitting thespring scribed except the closing of the A relay circuit is repeated,should another 24 pound sack or a lighter one follow the first along theconveyor.

Attention is here called to the fact that the switch corresponding tothe 24 pound sack, has not been operated, but has merely remained in itsnormal position.

Assuming, however, that a heavier sack follows the 24: pound one alongthe conveyor, and for convenience of description that it is a 1 10 poundsack.

As the 140 pound sack passes beneath the apron 51 it rocks the switch83, closing the first local circuit through the A relay contacts 93, 94,to close the second local circuit through wire 95', wire 72, wire 72',and wire 89, through A relay magnet coil 90 to the negative line wire,thereby maintaining the second local or A relay circuit. As the heaviersack rides onto the platform section 5, its weight will lower the lever41, moving the lever arm 44 up over the switches 70 and 70 to engagementwith the switch 70. As the lever moves over the first switch 70*, itrocks the switch bar 68 and contact 71", the knife blade switch 73 onthe upper line of branch of wire 72 being open, and the switch 7 7 a onthe lower line of said branch being closed. A circuit is then closedfrom the positive line wire 81, through A relay contact 93, contact 94and wire 95, connecting the switches 70, 7 0 7 0 and 7 0, through 7 0switch, contacts 68, 71*, wire 72", branch 75 switch 77, contact 78,wire 79, G relay magnet coil 121, to the negative line wire 81,energizing the magnet 121 and attracting C relay armature 122 againstthe tension of its spring 123 and separating the C relaycontacts 111,112, thereby breaking the circuit from positive line wire 81, through Brelay contacts 105, 106, wire 110, C relay contacts 111, 112, wire 113,Wire 100, the chute switch contacts,

wire 102, B relay magnet coil 103 to the negative line wire,de-energizing B relay magnet and permitting the B relay armature toreturn to normal position, separating the contacts 105, 106, and 107,108, the latter separation breaking the circuit through the solenoid 116and freeing the gate. Continued movement of the lever 44 over theswitches 70 rocks this switch, but without effect, and the lever comingto rest against the switch 70 holds that switch closed, but as thecomplementary knife blade switch 7 7 c is closed, flow of current wouldbe in the same path as that described inreference to switch 70 in so faras the gate control is concerned. Consequently, when the 140 pound sackreaches the gate, friction of the sack against the conveyor belt willhold the sack to the belt and the "sack will push the gate open and passon.

Attention is here called tothe fact that the local (A relay magnet)circuits have not been disturbed.

Next assume that a car is to be loaded with 48 and 1 10 pound sacks fromthe dock served by the chute 45, and that sacks of all of the variousweights are being forwarded indiscriminately along the con-1 veyor, theapparatus is set for delivering 18 and 140 pound sacks down the chute byclosing the knife blade switches 73 and 73 on the upper branches of thewires 72 and 72 leading from the contacts for the switches 70 and 7 0,the upper knife blade switches on the lines leading to the othersections of the 70 series being left open.

The lower knife blade switches on the lines leading to the activeswitches 7 0 and 70 are left open and those leading to the contacts forthe remaining and inactive switches of the 70 series are closed. Theswitch 70 having no lower knife blade switch corresponding to those inthe 78 series, is ignored, its upper knife blade switch 73 remainingopen as arethe corresponding switches for the active switches of the 70series.

For convenience of description, further assume that a group of sacks arepassing in the following order :-21 pound, 48 pound, 96 pound, 1 10pound and 200 pound. The master switch being closed, the 2 1 pound sackbeing the first in the group traveling on the conveyor, moves onto thescale platform section, rocking the apron 51 and closing the first localcircuit through the contacts 85, 86 and A relay magnet coil 90, therebyclosing the second local circuit through A relay contacts 93, 94, wire95, 70 switch contacts, wire 72 and wire 89, through the A relay magnetcoil 90, to retain the A relay magnet energized and the circuit throughA relay contacts 93, 94 closed after the first local circuit has beenbroken by re-opening of the apron switch.

The circuit heretofore mentioned as being closed through the knife bladeswitch 73, complementary to the switch and 24 pound sack, remains open,however, because the switch 73 is not closed. Consequently, no circuitis closed through the gate solenoid and the gate remains free so thatthe 24 pound sack pushes the gate out of the way and travels on with theconveyor.

Attention is here called to the fact that after this operation the Arelay circuit is still closed, the inventionbeing to retain this circuitclosed continuously during the operation of the conveyor except uponcertain undesirable happenings hereinafter mentioned.

The 24 pound sack having moved on past the chute, the 48 pound sackfollows, operating the apron 51 as before, closing the first localcircuit through wires 87 and 89 and coil 90. but unnecessarily, for thereason that the coil is already-energized through the second localcircuit heretofore mentioned as passing through the A relay contacts,wire 95, wire 72, and wire 89. The 48 pound sack passing onto the scaleplatform section is of sufiicient weight to lower said section againstthe tension of its spring jack, and rock the lever arm 44 intoengagement with the switch 70, rocking the switch to make contactbetween its finger 68 and the contact 71", thereby closing a circuitfrom positive line wire 81, wire 96. A relay contacts 93, 94, wire 95,70 switch contacts 68, 71 wire 7 2*, branch 75,upper knife blade switch73, wire 7 6, Wire 100, the chute switch contacts 119, 68, wire 102, Brelay magnet coil 103, to the negative line wire 81, thereby attractingthe B relay armature and closing the circuit from-the positive line wire81, wire 109, B relay contacts 105, 106, wire 110, C relay contacts 111,112, wire 113, wire 100, the chute switch contacts 119, 68, wire 102.and B relay coil to the negative line wire 82, thereby clo ing thesupplemental circuit through the B relay-magnet to retain the B relayarn'iature.

Simultaneously with the closing of the magnet retaining circuit throughthe B relay armature, a circuit is closed from the positive line wire81,'through wire 115, the gate stop solenoid, wire 117 B relay contacts107,108, and wire 118 to the negative line wire, thereby shooting thegate stop to hold the gate against the 48 pound sack. The 48 pound sackbeing delivered from the scale platform conveyor section 4, meets thegate and is diverted thereby to the chute where the operation of openingthe circuits and particularly the solenoid gate stop circuit by passageof the sack over the rock plate 56 in the chute, as heretoforedescribed, is repeated.

The 48 pound sack having passed down the chute and all of the circuitsexcept the second local one through the A relay magnet coil having beenbroken, the 98 pound sack moves onto the scale platform section, rockingthe apron, closing and opening the first local A relay magnet circuit asoccurs with each operation of the apron. Weight of the 98 pound sack onthe scale platform rocks the lever 44 up along the switch 70 and intoengagement with the switch 7 b where the lever comes to rest, holdingthe contact finger of the lever 70* in engagement with the contact 71".As the lever 44 passes over the switch 70, a circuit is closed throughthe 70 switch contacts is'set up the gate stop as just described. It istrue that as soon as the lever 44 passes over the switch 70, the switchis returned to normal position, breaking the contact 68, 71. This,however, does not break the circuit through the gate sto solenoid, asclosing of the circuit througi the 70 switch contacts has closed the Brelay so that the circuit through the B rela contacts 105, 106, C relaycontacts 111, 112, wire 113, wire 100. chute switch contacts 119, 68,wire 102, and B relay magnet coil 103 to the negative line has been setup, and the B relay armature is retained in active position even afterthe breaking of the 70 switch. Consequently, unless some other meanswere provided for breaking the B relay magnet switch, the gate wouldremain set and the 98 pound sack delivered into the chute. Before thesack can reach the gate, however, the lever 44 has rocked switch 70*,rocking the contacts 68, 71 and closing the circuit from positive linewire 81, wire 96, A relay contacts 93, 94, wire 95, 70 switch contactfinger 68, contact 71 the lower line knife blade switch 77, contact 78", wire 79, C relay magnet coil 121, to the negative line wire 82,energizing the C relay magnet 121 and rocking the C relay armature 122against the tension of its spring to break the contacts 111 and 112.Upon breaking the contacts 111 and 112, the circuit is broken frompositive line wire 81, wire 109, contacts 105, 106, wire 110, contacts11.1 and 112, wire 113, wire 100, the chute switch contacts 119, 68,wire 102. B relay magnet coil 103, to the negative line wire,- and the Brelay armature released and returned by its spring to break the circuitthrough the contacts 105, 106, and 107, 108. Breaking of the circuitfrom the positive line wire 81, wire 115, gate stop solenoid coil 116,wire 117, contacts 107, 108 and wire 118, to the negative line wire,releasing the solenoid core which is returned to free the gate andthereby allow the 98 pound sack to pass.

The 140 pound sack next in train moves onto the scale platform,operating the apron to close the switch 83 as heretofore described, andthe lever 44 rocks the switch 70 (complementary to the 48 pound sack) toclose a circuit through the switch 73" and contact 107, 108 opens thecircuit arrangement.

energize the gate stop tion, rocking contact finger solenoid, then movinon to the switch 70", releasing the stop and then finally on to theswitch 7 3, relocks the stop, all as heretofore described, the upperknife blade switch 7 3 having been closed to eiiect the closing of thesolenoid circuit as described with reference to switch 70.

The 140 pound sack being diverted into the chute, opens thecircuitsexcept the sec ond local one through the A relay magnet coil, and againprepares the apparatus for an oncoming sack. v

The 200 pound sack being next in train passes over the scale platformselector secthe lever 44 over the switches of the 70 series in turnuntil it comes to rest on the switch 70. The knife blade switch 78,complementary to the switch 70 and to the 200 pound sack, being closed,the gate stop solenoid is de-energized and the gate :treed to permit the200 pound sack to pass along the conveyor.

it is apparent, therefore, that irrespective of the order of passage ofsacks of different weights along the conveyor, only those se lected fordelivery into the chute are diverted by the gate, and that the automaticswitch mechanism controls the gate stop for only selected diversion intothe chute.

It is readily apparent that when the spring supported scale platformconveyor section 1s relieved from the weight of a sack, its suddenreturn to normal position may result in re bound and such vibrationofthe platform as to rock the lever 44 and possibly induce accidentalclosing of one or more'of the switches of the 70 series and therebyinterfere with the I To obviate this difiilocated the switch 7underculty, I have lever 44: so that vibration of the neath the leverwill finally actuate the switch 70 to rock the switch 70 against thetension of its break the contact between its 68 and contact 71; Breakingof this contact opens the second local circuit from positive line wire81, through wire 96, contacts 93, 94', wire 95, switch contacts 68, 71,wire 72, wire 98, and wire 89 through the A relay magnet coil 90 to thenegative line wire 82, de-energizing the magnet 90 and permitting the Arelay armature spring 92 to return the armature and break the localcircuit through contacts 93, 94'. Consequently, it any of the othercircuits had been closed'by accidental movement of the series switches,or any of them, such circuit would be broken by interruption of flow ofcurrent through the wire 95 and all of the circuits would be re-opened.This operation would not, however, cause any interruption in theoperation of the apparatus, as the next bag moving onto the plat formconveyor section would simply close the first local A relay magnetcircuit as in an initial operation of the conveyor.

spring 69 and It is apparent, therefore, that I have pro- .vided asimple arrangement of mechanical and electrical elements which may bemanually set for any desired diversion from the conveyor, and which,after the initial setting, will automatically operate to maintain thatdiversion irrespective of the grouping of sacks on the conveyor, andfurther, that I have provided against accidental interference with theselected diversion.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters-Patent is:

1. Article sorting. apparatus comprising a conveyor, a gate fordiverting articles from the conveyor, a stop for the gate, elec'tromagnetic means controlling said stop,

comprising a circuit including a normally open switch, electromagneticmeans for closing. said switch comprising a circuit including twonormally open switches, electromagnetic means comprising a circuitincluding a switch operable from an article moving with the conveyor toclose one of said two normally open switches, and means operable fromsaid article upon its continued movement with the conveyor to close thesecond of said two normally open switches.

22. Article sorting apparatus comprising a conveyor, a gate fordiverting articles from the conveyor, a stop for the gate,electromagnetic means controlling said stop, comprising a circuitincluding a normally open switch, electromagnetic means for closing saidswitch comprising a circuit including two normally open switches,electro-magnetic means comprising a circuit including a switch operablefrom an article moving with the conveyor to close one of said twonormally open switches, means operable from said article upon itscontinued movement with the conveyor to close the second of said twonormally open switches, means comprising a circuit includingelectro-magnetic means for controlling the first-named switch and anormally closed switch operable by a diverted article to break thecircuits and release the stop.

3. Article sorting apparatus comprising a conveyor, a gate for divertingarticles from the conveyor, a stop for said gate, electromagnetic meanscontrolling said stop, comrisin a circuit includin a normall 0 )enclosing the second of said three switches,

and electromagnetic means comprising a circult including thesecond-named switch for closing the third-named switch.

4. Article sorting apparatus comprising a conveyor, a gate for divertingarticles from the conveyor, a stop for said gate, electromagnetic meanscontrolling said stop comprising a circuit including a normally openswitch, electromagnetic means for closing said switch comprising acircuit including three normally open' switchcs, electromagnetic meansfor closing the first of said switches, including a normally openswitch, means operable by an article traveling with the conveyor toclose said last-named switch, mechanical means operable upon continuedtravel of the article with the conveyor for closingthe second of saidthree switches, electromagnetic means comprising a circuit including thesecond-named switch for closing the third-named switch, and a normallyclosed switch included in circuit with said I last-named electromagneticmeans operable by a diverted article to open said circuit and releasethe stop.

- 5. Article sorting apparatus comprising a conveyor, a gatefordiverting articles from the, conveyor, a stop for said gate, anormally open A relay circuit, a normally closed B relay circuit, and anormally open C relay circuit, electromagnetic means for closing the Arelay circuit comprising a normally open switch operable from an articletraveling with the conveyor, and a secondary circuit including the Arelay contacts for maintaining said electromagnetic circuit closed afterrelease of said switch, electromagnetic means comprising a primarycircuit including part of the A relay primary closing circuit forclosing the O relay, a secondary circuit including contacts in the Crelay and the B relay for maintaining the C relay closed, theelectromagnetic means controlling the C relay including a normallyclosed switch operable by diverted articles to open the circuit andrelease the gate stop.

6. Article sorting apparatus comprising a conveyor including a scaleplatform selector section, a gate for diverting articles from theconveyor, a 530p for said gate comprising a solenoid an 1ts core, thesolenoid circuit including a relay, means controlling said relayincluding a primary relay circuit,

a plurality of normally open and a single closed automatic switches inseries 'with the relay, a conductor for each of the normally open seriesswitches including a manually setable switch for closing the first-namedrelay controlling circuit, and a manually setable switch for openingsaid relay circuit, a local circuit for controlling the primary relay, aswitch controlling the local circuit operable by an article oncomingwith the conveyor, a lever connected with said selector conveyor sectionoperable in one direction to selectively close said normally openswitches and in the other direction to plurality of switch closed.

open said normally closed switch, and means operable 'by an articlediverted from the conveyor for opening said circuits includin v anormally closed switch included in the rst mentioned relay controllinrcircuit, and a trip plate operable by the diverted article to open saidswitch.

rticle sorting mechanism comprising a conveyor including a scaleplatform tion pivotally mounted at its oncoming end and yieldinglysupported for graduated movement proportional to the articles passedthereover, a gate for passing diverted articles from the conveyor, aswitch actuating lever selectively operable by said platform section, anapron operable by articles delivered to the platform section, a rockplate in the offtaking chute, and electromagnetic means under control ofthe apron, the platform lever and the rock plate for controlling thegate stop.

8. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, a gate for divertingarticles from the conveyor, a stop for said gate, 11 normally openelectrical circuit controlling said stop, a second normally open circuitcontro ling the first-named circuit, a third normally open circuitcontrolling said second circuit and includin a switch operable from anarticle traveling on the conveyor, a normally closed switch in thesecondnamed circuit-operable by articles diverted from the conveyor, anda. further normally open circuit controlled by the third circuit andcontolling the second circuit to retain the second circuit closed.

9. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, a gate for divertingarticles from the conveyor, a sto for said gate, a circuit including anorma ly open switch controlling said stop, a second circuit includin aplurality of normally open selective switches operable by articles theconveyor and a normally open primary the conveyor to set the primaryswitch.

10. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, a. gate fordiverting articles from the conveyor, a sto for said gate, a circuitincluding a normally open switch controlling said stop, a second circuitincludin a normally open selective switches operable by articles passingover the conveyor and a normally open primary switch, controlling thefirst circuit, a third circuit including a switch operable by urticlespassing over the conveyor to set the primary switch, and a branch fromthe third circuit for retaining the primary 11. Article sortingapparatus including a conveyor, a gate for diverting articles from theconveyor, a stop for said gate, a circuit the conveyor, astop for saidgate, A, B and including a normally open switch controlling said stop,a'second circuit including a plurality of normally open selectiveswitches operable by articlespassing over the conveyor, primary armscomplementary to the selective switches, a normally open primary switch,controlling the first circuit, a third circuit including a switchoperable by articles passing over the conveyor to set the primaryswitch; a fourth circuit includingthe selective switches, secondary armscoinplementary to the selective switches and a magnet, and a. normallyclosed switch controlled by said magnet and controlling the secondcircuit.

12. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, having a rockingscale platform section, a gate for diverting articles from the conveyor,a stop for said gate, A, B and C relay armature switches and theirmagnets, means yieldingly retaining the A and B armatures open and the Garmature closed, a circuit controlling said stop normally open throughthe B armature, a normally open switch operable by articles passing tothe scale platform, a plurality of normally open selective switchesoperable by the scale platform, primary and secondary branch switchesfor each selective switch, and a normally closed switch controlled byarticles diverted from the conveyor, a B relay magnet circuit includingthe diverter switch, the primary branch switches, the selective switchesand the A relay armature switch and having a branch including the B andC armature switches,

an A armature closing circuit including the A armature magnet and thesetting switch,

a circuit for retaining the A armature switch closed including the Aarmature magnet and the A armature switch, a circuit for closing the Barmature switch ineluding the B armature magnet, the diverter switch,the selective switches and their primary branches. and the A armatureswitch, a circuit for retaining the B armature switch closed includingthe B armature magnet, the diverter switch, the C armature switch andthe B armature switch, and a circuit for releasing the B armature including the A armature switch, the selective switches and the secondarybranches andthe C armature magnet. v

13. Article sorting apparatus including a conveyor, having a rockingscale platform section, a gate for diverting articles from C relayarmature sections and their magnets,

means yieldingly retaining the A and B switches for each selectiveswitch, and normally closed switch controlled by articles diverted fromthe conveyor, a B relay'mag- 'net circuit including the diverter switch,the

primary branch switches, the selective switches and the A relay armatureswitch and having a branch including the B and C armature switches, an'A armature closing circuit including the A armature magnet and thesetting switch, a circuit for retaining the A armature switch closedincluding the A armature magnet and the A armature switch, a circuit forclosing the B armature switch including the B armature magnet, the

diverter switch, the selective switches and then-primary branches andthe A amature switch, a circuit for retaining the B armature switchclosed including the B armature magnet, the diverter switch, the Carmature switch and the B armature switch, a circuit for releasing the Barmature including the A armature switch, the selective switches andtheir secondary branches and the C armature magnet, and a normallyclosed switch in the A armature switch closing circuit operable byrebound of the selective switch arm to effect release of the A armatureswitch.

14. Article sorting apparatus including a horizontal conveyor includinga roclnng scale platform section and an ofitaking section, a gatefordiverting articles to the offtaking section, a stop for said gate,electromagnetic means for controlling said stop including a normallyopen switch, an electro-magnet for closing said switch, a primary switchfor closing the magnet circuit, an electric magnet for closing saidprimary switch, means operable by articles movable on the conveyor .forclosing the primary switch magnet, a plurality1 of selective contacts,each in circuit with t e primary switch, a rocking switch operable bythe scale Platform section 'for selectively closin circuits through saidcontacts, and a norma 1y closed switch in said magnet circuitsoperableby' articles diverted to the oiftaking section for actuatingsaid last-named switch to release the gate stop.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

CLARENCE M. HARDENBERGH.

